Prepared for Change: Crisis Leadership and the Power of Community in Higher Education
Prof. Dr. Ganna Tolstanova delivering her keynote “Unexpected Change and Crisis Management in Academic Institutions” at the University of Potsdam
© Sandra Cava
During the DIES LEADx Workshop Week in Potsdam, participants explored the many faces of leadership in times of change. From opening reflections on women’s leadership journeys to a powerful keynote on crisis management by Prof. Dr. Ganna Tolstanova, the week inspired collective learning, resilience, and the power of leading with empathy and courage.
Still within the Workshop Week of the DIES LEADx 2025/2026 launch in Potsdam, participants gathered for an inspiring keynote and panel discussions that explored leadership under uncertainty and the strength of women leading through change.
On October 6, the DIES LEADx Opening and Panel Discussion welcomed 25 female university leaders from Cohort 1 to Campus Neues Palais in Park Sanssouci. The event began with warm greetings from Dr. Muriel Helbig, Vice President of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and President of Technische Hochschule Lübeck, and Dr. Britta van Kempen, Vice President for Educational and European Affairs at the University of Potsdam. Participants spent the day engaging in expert-led sessions on leadership approaches such as situational and shared leadership, exploring organizational culture, and connecting with peers from across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.
“Leadership in times of crisis demands transparency, empathy, and courage.”
This message resonated throughout the workshop, reminding participants that effective leadership is rooted not only in strategic decisions but in human connection and trust.
In the afternoon, a lively panel discussion with Dr. Helbig and Dr. van Kempen invited participants to reflect on personal leadership journeys and everyday challenges faced by women in senior academic roles. The exchange encouraged openness, mutual learning, and recognition of shared experiences that shape inclusive and transformative leadership.
Later that week, on October 9, the keynote “Unexpected Change and Crisis Management in Academic Institutions” brought together voices from Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Europe to reflect on how universities can prepare for and respond to crises. The keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Ganna Tolstanova, Vice Rector for Research at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, shared powerful insights drawn from her experience leading through the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Prof. Tolstanova underscored the importance of decisive leadership during times of crisis, emphasizing value-based communication built on transparency, honesty, and empathy. She highlighted the need for strong networks of allies and supporters, both within and beyond institutions, and for leaders to address the human side of crisis—recognizing loss, fear, and uncertainty while fostering a culture attentive to mental health and well-being.
The session concluded with an open reflection among participants and guests from the University of Potsdam, who shared their own experiences and strategies for navigating crisis and change within higher education.
A heartfelt thanks to Prof. Dr. Ganna Tolstanova for her inspiring contribution, and to all participants and guests for their active engagement throughout the week - reminding us that leadership is not about predicting the future but being prepared to face it together.